I'm too old to Babysit for kids I don't love....

OK kids, I'm done. I'm too old and too over this to watch you anymore.

I have been babysitting a long time, and have taken on a lot of trying children that through basic techniques have improved by my being there. Not anything drastic and life altering, but significantly enough for parents to have mentioned it to me. I've had many parents recommend me to other families as someone who won't just watch your kids, but become a positive influence in their lives. I have loved children and working with them for a long time, and find a great satisfaction and joy from it, until now.

The children I most recently took on are spoiled and manipulative. Their parents are rich, affluent, and mannered. Their kids are two of the brattiest kids I have ever watched. They scream and cry for no reason, no, correction, because they want their way and think I will give in if they cry. GUESS WHAT? I didn't fall off the turnip truck yesterday! I know your games, hell, I perfected your games as a kid, but at least I was a lovable brat, who knew when it was time to give up. They never say anything to me when I arrive, barely talk to me except to tell me what to do, or ask me the EXACT same inane questions over and over, never satisfied with the response. They treat me like a slave to whatever they want, with no real worth (at 3 and 4 mind you!) or value to them otherwise. They argue and try to lie to me and manipulate me at every turn. It's beyond disgusting at this point.

Look, I get it, kids are kids. This goes way beyond the allowable amount of "kid" behavior. I know their deal, and it's not their fault, but that doesn't mean I have to fix them. Their mother is bossed around and controlled by her husband, who is fairly absent in an emotional sense. All I ever hear him do is bark orders at the kids, or his wife to "handle" them. It's obvious these girls (yes, 2 girls) are craving some sort of disciplinary stability. They are shoved all of these "things" to do rather than just letting me interact with the girls and find my own way. I have never once had to make any kind of decision about anything there. Their parents regulate it all. Their mother gives in to the girls at the slightest bit of resistance, e.g. "*Susy*, no more juice before bed! I mean it!" "But mom I'm thirsty, I want juice!" "Oh OK, just one more glass." Over and over and over again, about everything.

I try not to judge people, I try not to make assumptions, but after being around them for several months, I just don't see it any other way. I tried in the beginning to be understanding, and make allowances, but this is ridiculous. This isn't terrible two's or three's. This isn't a fight for independence. This is absent parenting at its finest. I hope they figure this out before these girls get much older, otherwise they are in for a rough ride for the next 15 years. I pity the girls in a sense, but they are such brats, it can make it really hard. I do try though.

So finally, after many nights of coming home exhausted and beaten down by a worthless fight to help these poor girls, I gave up. I told their parents I couldn't watch them anymore, and that's that. I have never left a babysitting job before, and I hate to do it, but sometimes you have to watch out for your own well-being.

I hope no one is offended by my outspokenness. I really do try to be as non-judgemental as possible about child rearing, as I do not have children of my own. I do however know some AMAZING parents, in all walks of life, with children of all ages, faced with way more trying circumstances than here. I think everyone will relate to the story here, and the underlying issues it brings up.